RETURN OF THE HOUSE BAND!

returned to their “spiritual home” for a low-key show in MANCHESTER last night (August 28).

The band returned to the 200-capacity Roadhouse to support the venue’s ongoing charity campaign to raise funds for the National Deaf Children’s Society. Fans who won tickets to the show were asked to donate to the cause.

Contrary to speculation, the band did not debut any new tracks. However, singer Guy Garvey joked that their second album would be made up of covers of local bands Oceansize, Moco and Loafer, most of whom were present.

The show also marked bass player Pete Turner’s 28th birthday. In scenes echoing Julian Casablancas’ celebrations at last weekend’s Reading Festival, Turner was presented with a cake and sung ‘Happy Birthday’ by the audience, led by Garvey. They also gave a rare airing to their cover of Black Sabbath’s ‘The Wizard’, which they originally covered for an Ozzy Osbourne tribute gig two years ago.